Ackerman-Estvold is proud to show off our staff members who have been recognized for their hard work and dedication within their chosen career field and service to their community.

2015 Prairie Business Best Places to Work Award Recipient

Ackerman-Estvold is a two time recipient of the Prairie Business Magazine Best Places to Work award.

In July 2014, Prairie Business Magazine launched their Best 50 Companies competition. Companies are nominated through an anonymous employee satisfaction survey and rated in areas including work environment, employee benefits and employee happiness. Consideration is also given to the number of nominations received per company. Nominations are accepted from employees working throughout the northern Plains (North Dakota, South Dakota and western Minnesota). The top 25 small for-profit companies (99 or fewer full-time employees) and the top 25 large for-profit companies (100+ employees) are recognized.

We are a proud recipient of this award in the top 25 small for-profit category, because it showcases the fact that our employees think we are a great place to work and want to broadcast that throughout the region.

Minot Area Chamber of Commerce - Spirit of Growth Award

Ackerman-Estvold was awarded the first ever Minot Area Chamber of Commerce Spirit of Growth Award during their annual meeting on October 10, 2012.

It is a goal of all business to succeed, to grow, to last. The Spirit of Growth award honors a small business that sees more than growth and longevity as a way to measure success. This award looks at companies whose employees are active in the community in addition to having a strong, positive impact on our community. Their management team has a vision for the future. One final step in the Spirit of Growth Award is finding a company that encourages growth in other business professionals, within and outside their own walls. This is the first time for this award, and the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors proudly award the 2012 Spirit of Growth Award to Ackerman-Estvold.

Ackerman-Estvold - North Dakota Young Professionals Best Place to Intern

We're so proud to be the recipient of the North Dakota Young Professionals Network 2015 Best Place to Intern award. Through the Best Place to Work awards, North Dakota Young Professionals Network (NDYP) recognizes businesses that provide high quality jobs and a work environment enticing to and in support of young professionals in order to support ongoing economic, workforce and community development initiatives across the state. We are fortunate to host a prospering internship program for over 30 students since 2005.

Ryan Ackerman - Business Watch 40 Under 40

In 2011, Ryan Ackerman was selected by Business Watch magazine as one of the top 40 North Dakota professionals under age 40. Ackerman is recognized as a strong, young leader in North Dakota and was selected for his leadership, professional development, and commitment to the community.

Career path: I received a B.S. in Civil Engineering from North Dakota State University in 2003 and went to work as a civil engineer with Kimley-Horn & Associates in Denver. In 2004, I became a founding partner of Ackerman-Estvold Engineering and Management Consulting, Inc. in Minot, ND.

Mentors: Professionally, my father, Rolly, instilled in me the value of hard work while teaching me the technical side of surveying. While at Kimley-Horn, Fred Banfield was instrumental in teaching me the business side of engineering and Ed Vick, co-founder, always pushed for excellence and taught me that "we have no reason to exist except to serve our clients." From a personal perspective, my grandfather, Victor Knutson, serves as a role model for being a good, upstanding, family man.

Briefly, tell us about yourself: I love challenge and thrive on complexity. I do my best to find humor in all situations. I feel that a task isn't worth doing if a person can't do it right.

What motivates you? Optimists and pessimists! I love to interact with positive, professional, likeable people who have a contagious attitude. On the other hand, I don't like being told I can't accomplish something.

Challenges in your career path: My biggest challenge is finding the right balance between work time and family time. I also work hard to determine the right strategy that will best grow Ackerman-Estvold.

What's the biggest risk you've ever taken? The biggest risk I've ever taken was leaving a fast-track advancement position with a large, established company in a booming economy to live closer to family and start a business before the Minot community was booming.

Anything of which you're particularly proud? I am extremely proud of my kids and feel blessed and fortunate to come home to them at the end of the day. I am also very proud to be from the Minot community, especially during the recent flood event and ongoing recovery; it is evident that the worst situations bring out the best in people.

What advice would you offer other young professionals? Be confident in your values and don't compromise on them. Also know that people are the most valuable resource in a business or organization; be a sponge and learn as much as you can from others.

For what are you thankful? My wife is the glue that holds our family together. The love and attention she has for our children allows me to continue growing professionally.

What do you see yourself doing in 10 years? I see myself managing a growing company and mentoring young professionals so they can realize their potential. I also hope to have struck a balance that will allow me to step away from work to participate in my kids' activities.